Christian Art | Epiphany Of The Lord | King James Audio Bible KJV
What Is The Epiphany Of The Lord? | King James Audio Bible KJV
The Epiphany of the Lord, also known as Epiphany or Theophany, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. It is observed on January 6 in many Western Christian churches, and on the Sunday between January 2 and 8 in Eastern Christian churches.
The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” which means “manifestation” or “appearance.” In the Christian tradition, the Epiphany is considered to be the day when the divinity of Jesus was revealed to the world through the visit of the Magi, also known as the three wise men or kings, who brought gifts to the newborn Jesus.
The Epiphany is a major feast day in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and many Protestant denominations. It is a time for Christians to remember and celebrate the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God and the saviour of the world. It is also a time to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s incarnation and the significance of the Magi’s visit as an expression of the universality of Jesus’ message and the inclusivity of God’s love.
See also Epiphany Of The Lord – Meditation And Reflection
Who Were The Magi – The Three Kings Or Three Wise Men?
The Magi, also known as the three wise men or three kings, are mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible in the account of the birth of Jesus. According to the Gospel of Matthew, they were “wise men from the East” who came to Jerusalem in search of the newborn king of the Jews.
The Magi were guided to Jesus by a star, and when they arrived, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. According to tradition, the Magi were wise and learned men who studied the stars and were skilled in the interpretation of dreams. They are often depicted as kings in artistic representations of the Nativity, and their visit is seen as a symbol of the universality of Jesus’ message and the inclusivity of God’s love.
There is little information about the Magi in the Bible, and their identities have been the subject of much speculation and debate among scholars. Some traditions hold that the Magi were kings from distant lands, while others suggest that they were priests or astrologers. The Magi are revered as important figures in the Christian tradition, and their visit to the newborn Jesus is celebrated on the feast day of the Epiphany.
See also: Journey Of The Magi | T.S. Eliot | Audio | Christian Poems | Word Aloud:
What Were The Names Of The Magi?
According to tradition, the three Magi who visited Jesus were named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. These names were not mentioned in the Bible, but they appear in later writings and artistic representations of the Nativity.
Caspar is traditionally depicted as an elderly man with a white beard, and is often associated with the gift of gold. Melchior is usually portrayed as a middle-aged man with a reddish beard, and is associated with the gift of frankincense. Balthazar is typically depicted as a young man with a dark beard, and is associated with the gift of myrrh.
The names and identities of the Magi are not mentioned in the Bible, and there is no further historical evidence to confirm the details of their visit to Jesus. The names and traditions surrounding the Magi have developed over time through prayer and artistic interpretation.
What Is The Significance Of The Gifts Of The Magi?
The gifts of the Magi, also known as the three wise men or three kings, are mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible in the account of the birth of Jesus. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn Jesus.
The significance of the gifts is largely symbolic and has been the subject of much interpretation and discussion over the centuries. Gold is a precious metal that has long been associated with kings and royalty, and it is thought that the gift of gold may have symbolized Jesus’ status as the King of the Jews. Frankincense is an aromatic resin used in the production of incense and perfume, and it is often associated with spirituality and holiness. The gift of frankincense may have symbolized Jesus’ divine nature and his role as a spiritual leader. Myrrh is a resin extracted from trees that was commonly used in ancient times for its medicinal properties and as a component of perfumes and incense. The gift of myrrh may have symbolized Jesus’ suffering and death, as it was also used as a burial spice.
What Was The Star Followed By The Three Wise Men?
The nature of the star that is said to have guided the Magi, the three wise men or three kings, to the birthplace of Jesus is not clearly described in the Bible and has been the subject of much speculation and debate among scholars.
The Gospel of Matthew, which is the only New Testament gospel that mentions the star, describes it as a “star in the east” that “went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was” (Matthew 2:2). Some interpreters have understood this to be a literal celestial object, such as a supernova or a comet, while others have seen it as a symbolic or miraculous manifestation.
There have been many attempts throughout history to identify the star with a specific astronomical event or phenomenon, such as the appearance of a comet or the alignment of certain planets. However, there is no scientific or historical evidence to support any of these theories, and it is ultimately impossible to know for certain what the star was or how it led the Magi to Jesus.
In the Christian tradition, the star is often seen as a divine sign or a miracle, and it is understood to be a symbol of the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God and the saviour of the world.
Are There Other Historical Accounts Of Herod’s Massacre Of The Innocents?
The massacre of the innocents is an event described in the New Testament of the Bible as having occurred after the birth of Jesus. According to the Gospel of Matthew, King Herod the Great, who ruled Judea in the first century, ordered the killing of all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old or younger, in an attempt to eliminate the newborn Jesus, whom he believed to be a threat to his throne.
The massacre of the innocents is not mentioned in any other historical accounts from the time period, and there is no independent verification of the event. Some scholars have suggested that the story may be based on a historical event that was later embellished or that it is a purely symbolic narrative with no basis in fact. Others have argued that the massacre of the innocents may have been a historical event that has been overlooked or suppressed in the historical record.
How Old Was Jesus When Visited By The Magi?
According to the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus was visited by the Magi, the three wise men or three kings, when he was a newborn baby. The Gospel of Matthew states that they came to Jerusalem in Search Of The Newborn “King Of The Jews” And That They Followed A Star That Led Them To The Place Where Jesus Was Born (Matthew 2:1-2).
It is not clear exactly how old Jesus was at the time of the visit of the Magi, but he was likely less than two years old, as this is the age of the male children who were supposedly killed by King Herod in an attempt to eliminate the newborn Jesus (Matthew 2:16). Scholars suggest that Jesus was born around the years 6-4 BC, based on historical and astronomical evidence. The exact date of Jesus’ birth is not known with certainty.
For How Long Were Jesus And Mary And Joseph In Egypt?
According to the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus, his mother Mary, and his adoptive father Joseph fled to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod the Great, who was attempting to kill the newborn Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew, which is the only New Testament gospel that mentions this event, states that an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and warned him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, where they would be safe from Herod’s persecution (Matthew 2:13-15).
It is not stated in the Bible for how long Jesus, Mary, and Joseph stayed in Egypt, but it was likely for a relatively short period of time. After King Herod’s death, the angel appeared to Joseph again in a dream and told him that it was safe to return to Palestine, and so he took Mary and Jesus back to their homeland (Matthew 2:19-20).
How Is The Epiphany Celebrated In Modern Christendom?
There are many different ways in which the Epiphany is celebrated in modern Christendom, depending on the specific traditions and practices of different churches and denominations. Some common elements of the celebration of the Epiphany include:
- Worship services and prayers: Many churches hold special services or Masses on the Epiphany to celebrate the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God and the savior of the world. These may include prayers, hymns, and readings from the Bible.
- Processions: In some traditions, the Epiphany is marked by processions in which participants carry statues or icons of the Magi, who are revered as important figures in the Nativity story.
- Blessing of water: In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Epiphany is also known as the Feast of the Baptism of Christ, and it is celebrated with the blessing of water. This may involve the immersion of a cross in a body of water, the pouring of holy water over the heads of believers, or the distribution of blessed water to the faithful.
- Gift-giving: In some countries, the Epiphany is a time for gift-giving, similar to Christmas in other parts of the world. This tradition is often associated with the gifts that the Magi are said to have brought to the newborn Jesus.
- Special meals: Many people celebrate the Epiphany by gathering with friends and family to share special meals or treats, such as traditional baked goods like the Epiphany cake, or galette des rois in France.
The celebration of the Epiphany is an opportunity for Christians to remember and celebrate the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God and the saviour of the world, and to reflect on the significance of this event for the faith.
Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, was an Italian Capuchin friar who lived from 1887 to 1968. He is renowned for his piety, his stigmata, and his gift of healing, and has become a beloved figure in the Christian world. Born into a devout Catholic family in Pietrelcina, Italy, Padre Pio felt a calling to the priesthood from a young age. He entered the Capuchin order in 1903 and was ordained a priest in 1910. He spent much of his life as a humble friar, dedicated to prayer, the sacraments, and the service of others. Padre Pio’s most famous spiritual gift was the stigmata, the visible wounds of Christ that he bore on his hands, feet, and side. He experienced this phenomenon for over 50 years, from 1918 until his death in 1968. While some were skeptical of his wounds, many believed them to be a sign of his profound union with Christ and his participation in the suffering of the crucified Christ. In addition to his stigmata, Padre Pio was also known for his gift of healing. Many people came to him seeking physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, and he prayed over them, sometimes prescribing special devotions or treatments. While some were healed miraculously, others did not experience a physical cure, but nonetheless found comfort and peace through his intercession. Padre Pio’s life was marked by his devotion to God and his love for others. He spent long hours in prayer, often in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and had a deep appreciation for the power of the Eucharist. He also had a special love for the Virgin Mary, whom he called his ‘Heavenly Mother’, and encouraged others to pray the Rosary. Today, Padre Pio is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church, and his influence has spread far beyond Italy. He is remembered for his holiness, his humility, and his profound union with Christ, as well as for his compassion and concern for the sick and suffering. Christians of all denominations continue to look to him as a model of faith and devotion to God. Prayer To Saint Padre Pio | A Prayer For Healing Saint Padre Pio is renowned for his gift of healing, which he used to help countless people throughout his life. He believed in the power of prayer and the importance of placing our trust in God, even in the face of illness and suffering. In James 5:16, we are reminded that ‘the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective’. Padre Pio’s life was a testament to the truth of this verse, as he interceded for those who came to him seeking physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. One of the most striking examples of Padre Pio’s healing ministry was the case of Gemma Di Giorgi, a young girl who had been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Her parents brought her to Padre Pio, who prayed over her and blessed her with the sign of the cross. To the amazement of her doctors, Gemma’s condition began to improve, and she was eventually healed completely. In addition to physical healing, Padre Pio also believed in the importance of emotional and spiritual healing. He often spoke of the need for repentance and conversion, and encouraged his followers to turn to God with contrite hearts. In Luke 5:31-32, Jesus tells the Pharisees, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ Padre Pio understood that true healing involves not only the body, but also the soul. For those who are in need of healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, Saint Padre Pio can serve as a powerful intercessor. He believed in the importance of prayer and the power of God’s grace to heal even the most difficult of cases. Through his intercession, we can ask God for the strength and courage to face our illnesses and our struggles, knowing that we are never alone and that God’s healing love is always with us. So let us pray: ‘Saint Padre Pio, you who had a deep faith in God and a profound love for your fellow human beings, we turn to you in our time of need. We ask for your intercession on behalf of all those who are sick and suffering, that they may be healed in body, mind, and spirit. We ask that you pray for us, that we may have the strength and courage to face our illnesses and our struggles with faith and hope, knowing that God is with us always. We trust in God’s love and mercy, and in the power of prayer to bring healing and wholeness to all who seek it. Saint Padre Pio, pray for us, and lead us to the healing grace of God. Amen.’ Prayer To Saint Padre Pio | A Prayer For Peace Saint Padre Pio was a man of peace, who lived his life in the service of God and his fellow human beings. He believed that peace was not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of inner harmony that could only be achieved through a deep and abiding relationship with God. In John 14:27, Jesus tells his disciples, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ Padre Pio understood the importance of this peace, and dedicated his life to helping others find it. One of the ways that Padre Pio fostered peace was through his ministry of reconciliation. He encouraged those who came to him to confess their sins and seek God’s forgiveness, knowing that this was the first step towards inner peace. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Padre Pio believed that this was not just a call to be a mediator in conflicts between […]
The actions of the evil cause pain, but they think they’re safe from harm. They curse, lie and deceive, causing trouble wherever they go. They even secretly plan to hurt the innocent, like a lion hiding to catch its prey [ … ]
The Church acknowledges the value and benefits of human progress—technological, scientific, social—but recognizes that progress alone does not guarantee justice, peace, or happiness. Instead, when such progress is pursued without a moral compass, or when it inflates pride and self-interest, it leads to new dangers: environmental damage, economic inequality, even the threat of self-destruction (e.g., nuclear war, totalitarianism). The reading echoes the biblical theme of Babel—human achievement detached from God leads to division and confusion [ … ]
